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Scarcely any one in the caravans had any idea that the wapentake had
come to take Gwynplaine. Hence the smallness of the crowd.
Gwynplaine, thanks to his cloak and his hat, which nearly concealed his
face, could not be recognized by the passers-by.
Before he went out to follow Gwynplaine, Ursus took a precaution. He
spoke to Master Nicless, to the boy Govicum, and to Fibi and Vinos, and
insisted on their keeping absolute silence before Dea, who was ignorant
of everything. That they should not utter a syllable that could make her
suspect what had occurred; that they should make her understand that the
cares of the management of the Green Box necessitated the absence of
Gwynplaine and Ursus; that, besides, it would soon be the time of her
daily siesta, and that before she awoke he and Gwynplaine would have
returned; that all that had taken place had arisen from a mistake; that
it would be very easy for Gwynplaine and himself to clear themselves
before the magistrate and police; that a touch of the finger would put
the matter straight, after which they should both return; above all,
that no one should say a word on the subject to Dea. Having given these
directions he departed.
Ursus was able to follow Gwynplaine without being remarked. Though he
kept at the greatest possible distance, he so managed as not to lose
sight of him. Boldness in ambuscade is the bravery of the timid.
After all, notwithstanding the solemnity of the attendant circumstances,
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